Rachel Maddow raised this issue last night on her show, excoriating Missouri's Republican Senator Roy Blunt as probably the worst offender among the Republicans who voted against relief for victims of superstorm "Sandy."
Blunt was aggressive and successful in securing federal funds in the wake of the tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri. "Missouri Senator Roy Blunt says he’s asking the federal government to reimburse 100 percent of the cost to local governments dealing with the Joplin tornado aftermath," is what CBS News reported right after the storm. Later, Blunt reported on his own website:
“When the disaster exceeds the ability of communities and states, the federal government has a responsibility to help people rebuild,” said Blunt. “I’m pleased that Joplin continues to receive the important federal resources it needs to revitalize this region, and I am grateful for the generosity of countless volunteers and the tireless work of state and local officials.”
That, by the way, was posted in late October 2012 -- four months ago.
The list continues:
Kelly Ayotte, NH, voted for Sandy aid for her own state but not for the two states hardest hit. She was on the "no" list. Pat Toomey, PA, did the same. John Barrasso, Wyoming, requested aid for his state's flooding but denied it to Sandy victims. The same holds for the rest of the Republicans on the list, senators from Texas (drought), Florida's Rubio (freeze), Arizona's McCain (flooding)... and on and on.
Summing up Think Progress's shitlist of Republican denialistas is the kicker:
Not one of the opponents has co-sponsored Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-NV) “Extreme Weather Prevention and Resilience Act” which would encourage Congress to “prepare and protect communities from extreme weather, sea-level rise, drought, flooding, wildfire, and other changing conditions exacerbated by carbon pollution” and “reducing pollution, promoting the use of clean energy sources, and improving energy efficiency.” ...Think Progress
Comments